A 12-year-old boy who returned home after cancer treatment in the USA had a hero’s welcome in a surprise homecoming.

In March, Kaiden Pritchard was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma – a rare form of childhood cancer - after finding a lump the size of a two-penny piece on his palate.

The tumour was removed and after treatment at Alder Hey, Liverpool, Kaiden and his parents Arwel and Hayley, both 32, from Caernarfon travelled to Jacksonville, Florida in June so he could begin specialised proton radiotherapy, expecting to be there until September.

But, because he responded so well and there were no breaks in his treatment, Kaiden was allowed home last weekend.

Family and friends had raised funds to pay for his parents to accompany him and had cared for his brothers Kian, 10, Konner, nine, and Kelt, seven while they were away.

After leaving Jacksonville and then Atlanta on Friday, the family arrived at Manchester at 7.45am on Saturday.

Kaiden undergoing treatment in Jacksonville, Florida

Mr Pritchard said: “We had wanted to surprise the family and our children but they surprised us by telling everybody. We didn’t expect such a welcome which they had kept secret from us!”

There was laughter, tears and plenty of hugs as dozens turned up, many waving Welsh flags, to welcome Kaiden.

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In a Facebook message, Mr Pritchard said: “Thank you everyone who came and sent us messages. It was a very emotional day, up there with the best in my life. We’re so glad to be reunited. Words can’t describe how much love I have for our community!

“Kaiden is smashing his treatment. He is a true warrior and you all helped him along with your kind words, generous donations and endless fundraising.”

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Mrs Pritchard said: “What a shock! Thanks to everyone for their messages through this difficult time.”

One of the first things Kaiden did after arriving home was to go off on a bus to Bangor with his mates.

Mr Pritchard said: “He really enjoyed himself - he was out until 6 in the evening!”

He said Kaiden’s hair had now grown back but he he has also got take antibiotic tablets on the weekend.

Kaiden had specialised treatment in the USA before returning home to Caernarfon

Mr Pritchard said: “They had delayed Kaiden’s chemotherapy for a week so that he was well enough to travel home but we had to go to Alder Hay straight away on Monday. We will be here until late on Wednesday. He has to have three other three-day chemos and we hope it will be October when he finishes. He will then need an op to take out his chemo lines around Christmas. He’s doing really well. We want to thank everybody for their kind support.”

In another twist, Mr and Mrs Pritchard had to spend Saturday night at Ysbyty Gwynedd , Bangor after Kaiden’s youngest brother Kelt had fallen and broken his right arm while playing.

Mr Pritchard said: “It was a hell of a snap. We’re not sure if he will need an operation and will be taking him back to hospital on Friday. We’ll wait and see.”